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BORN

1949

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Portland Memorial Funeral Home

231 Main St

Portland, Connecticut

Thomas Tierney Obituary

THOMAS OWEN TIERNEY

1949 – 2023

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas O. Tierney on Friday, October 20th, 2023 after serious heart surgery. Tom was born on September 27th, 1949 to Mary Sullivan Tierney and Vincent James Tierney. He was a life-long resident of Portland and a proud 100% Irishman. Tom was married to, and best friends with, Peggy Baines Tierney for 45 years. They have two sons, Michael V. Tierney and Patrick R. (Heather) Tierney, both of Portland. Tom is also survived by his sister, Eileen (Red) Little of Glastonbury, brother, John (Gerri) Tierney of Cromwell, his cousin Betty (Bill) Martyszczyk of Plantsville, nephew Will Little, niece Melissa Tierney, and sister- in- law Sandra Baines. Tom was predeceased by his brother, James, with whom he owned Tierney Brothers Package Store for many years and raced with at Waterford Speedbowl. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by Peggy's parents, Margaret and Chick Baines, brother- in- law Robert Baines Jr., his cousins, Michael, Patricia & Ed Sienkiewicz, William Sullivan, John Sullivan, Aunt Anne Sullivan, Uncles Thomas & Bill Sullivan, and Jack Sullivan, his mother's cousin. Tom worked at Eastwood Chrysler-Plymouth while in high school, and later for 38 years with The Town of Glastonbury as mechanic and Fleet Superintendent of Vehicle Maintenance, retiring in 2008. He was a highly skilled mechanic and worked constantly on vehicles for friends and family. He took great pride in the work he did Frequently, Tom could be found working in his garage, driving his Marina Blue 1967 Corvette to local car shows or around town, or just sitting in his recliner enjoying a NASCAR race on TV. As a member of St. Mary's Church in Portland since birth, he was a 4th generation parishioner and never missed a Sunday mass.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution can do so to St. Mary's Church, 45 Freestone Ave., Portland, CT, 06480 or go to The American Heart Association online for donation details.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, October 30th at The Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main Street, from 4 to 7PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's on Tuesday, October 31st at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery, Bartlett Street Ext. in Portland.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Oct. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Francis J. Pawlowski

March 14, 2025

Tom and I were neighbors as the property of our home (1 Elizabeth Road) bordered the property of his home. The backyard of his home and the front yard of ours at 1 Elizabeth Road were adjacent to each other. During the winter, any of the kids who lived nearby were welcome to bring their sleds into our elevated backyard to begin the course which ended in the Tierney's front yard. His nickname at the time became Tucker because of his collection of toy trucks.

I have lived in Arizona/New Mexico since 1971; however, whenever I returned home to Portland, I always visited with Tom and his siblings and parents and others in the neighborhood as well. My condolences to all members of his family

Francis J. Pawlowski and family
Gallup, New Mexico

Ann& Bruce Carlson

November 4, 2023

Peggy, so sorry for the loss of your husband. May he rest in peace. Ann & Bruce Catlson

Ann & Bruce Carlson

November 4, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Terri & John David Larson

October 31, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Janet Freimuth

October 27, 2023

Mike, we're praying for you and your family.

Dennis Rau

October 26, 2023

To the entire Tierney family , I along with his many friends was so saddened to hear of Tom´s passing . May the fond memories you share help to ease the pain you are feeling at this very sad time .

The Wickes

October 26, 2023

Peggy; so sorry to hear about Tom. You and Michael and Patrick are in our prayers.

Bill Willinsky

October 26, 2023

R.I.P. Tom my very good friend

Lynn Nolan

October 25, 2023

I was saddened to hear the news of Tom´s passing, my thoughts are with you all during this tough time

Susan Van Vlack

October 25, 2023

Peggy, Michael, Patrick and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please know that we are thinking of all of you. We are so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Charlie, Sue and Phil Van Vlack

Karen Daly

October 25, 2023

So sorry for your loss.

Myra Finkelstein

October 25, 2023

Dear Peggy, boys, Eileen, and Jack,

So sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. During this difficult time rely on your family, friends , and faith for comfort. Cherish the beautiful memories you have created, they will never fade.

Steve Devanney

October 25, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Joe and Karen Labbadia

October 25, 2023

Peggy, Michael, and Patrick,
Joe and I are so saddened to hear about Tom´s passing. Such a great guy. You are blessed to have such beautiful family memories to help you through these difficult days ahead. May he rest in peace (or more likely enjoy an Irish homecoming with the rest of the clan in heaven).
Joe and Karen Labbadia
Friends

Bruce & Deb Gustafson

October 24, 2023

My deepest sympathy goes out to Peggy, Patrick & Michael as well as extended family members. I grew up in the same neighborhood with Tommy, affectionately known as Tucker back in his younger years. I recall many great visits to the Tierney residence where it was a happy and welcome place. Tommy quite often would be found under the hood enjoying fine tuning a friend´s or family member´s car. Although I was a bit younger, Tommy never ever made me feel uncomfortable when I´d ask him a question. Great memories too of joining him & Jimmy in the pits at Waterford Speed Bowl. A good guy he truly was!

Patricia Ackerman

October 24, 2023

Dear Peggy and boys, so sorry to hear of Tom´s passing . May your memories give you comfort in the days ahead. My deepest condolences to all.
Tricia Ackerman

Eileen Katz

October 24, 2023

To All the Tierney Family:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy. It was evident in all he did that he was a devoted husband and father and a very prod Irishman! May the love and companionship you shared with him bring you comfort at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy Gotta

October 24, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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Memorial Events
for Thomas Tierney

Oct

30

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Portland Memorial Funeral Home

231 Main St PO Box 168, Portland, CT 06480

Oct

31

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary's

CT

Funeral services provided by:

Portland Memorial Funeral Home

231 Main St PO Box 168, Portland, CT 06480

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